Flower Power Applique

I've definitely got my girly groove on this week, as I play with pretty applique flowers and leaves...

Wanting to make a completely fun piece that celebrated the return of Spring, I decided to make an appliqued flower table runner.

There are so many ways to do applique, from needle-turned to raw edge to fusible cut-outs, (just to name some) but for this piece I decided to use the freezer paper method. I suppose there are lots of versions to using freezer paper in applique, but for anyone unfamiliar with it, this is how I do it... 

First make a template of the shape from card-stock. Then, simply trace around the template onto the dull side of freezer paper and cut the shape out. Iron the shiny side of the freezer paper to the back of your fabric and cut it out adding a 1/4" allowance of fabric.

Turn the 1/4" allowance to the back, (clip curves if need be) and tack it down using matching thread and very tiny stitches placed as close to the folded edge as possible. Press each shape with a hot iron and remove the paper. Press again for good measure. A bit of spray starch can also come in handy in keeping everything crisp and nice.

Here are some flowers and leaves all ready to go!

I've gotten everything stitched and quilted, now I just need to bind it and wash it, (I like to wash most of my finished pieces to enhance the quilting texture). Of course, once It's finished I'll come back and show you the whole runner! 

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9/15/14 - Please Note: Hello! This post was done back in April of 2012. It is now over 2 years later and I've just been made aware that it is now listed and linked on the Free Quilt Patterns website here 

where it is indicated that you can find a free pattern to this project on my blog. 

This is incorrect. 

Please be aware that I have never offered a free pattern to this project and am confused as to why it is being listed as such on the Free Quilt Pattern website. This post was strictly about how to make easy appliquéd motifs, (any motifs... I just happened to be using flowers and leaves) using freezer paper. Unfortunately, because of the Free Quilt Pattern website listing, some of you are coming here expecting a pattern, and leaving, (understandably) confused. Although I don't offer the templates to the appliquéd shapes or a pattern, you can still easily make your own, (the shapes are basic and easy to draw) and then use my freezer technique tutorial outlined in this post. 

My apologies for any confusion that the Free Quilt Patterns website caused you. I think that their intentions were good and they meant well, but they unfortunately didn't do their homework in checking this post and contacting me, before sending you in search of a pattern that doesn't exist. However, while you are here, I hope that you will look around and come back again. Also, please know that you can find other free tutorials along the top bar on my blog, under "Tutorials", as well as a link to my original patterns that I do sell in my Etsy shop.

Best wishes,

Victoria

PS. Just to put any other confusion to rest... I used to SELL this table runner and placemat pattern in my Etsy shop, but it is no longer available, as due to a computer crash, some of the original files were lost. But again, the pattern was never offered for free.